New Stib team connects with homeless people in metro

A new team at Brussels public transport operator Stib has been touring Brussels metro stations since November with the goal of directing homeless people and drug addicts to appropriate services.

Both addicts and homeless are increasingly numerous on the Stib network, Bruzz reports.

The team, called Includo, consists of 27 uniformed Stib employees who operate in teams of five, working in shifts seven days a week between the hours of 6.00 and 2.00 in the morning in stations, especially underground ones.

“The number of people staying in underground stations has increased significantly in recent years,” said Stib spokesperson Laurent Vermeersch.

“The non-profit organisations active in that area cannot be everywhere at the same time. Additional people to talk to homeless people and refer them to services were therefore welcome. We have no ambition to do social work ourselves, but rather fulfil an intermediary role.”

The Includo teams travel on an electric Stib bus that has been adapted so that homeless people can go in it for a cup of coffee and a chat.

“We approach people in the stations and suggest they come to the bus, where we offer them something to drink, a coffee or a soup,” Vermeersch explained.

“This gets them out of the chilly station environment, where they always have to be on their guard.

"This way, we create a better atmosphere for conversation. The comfort of the bus facilitates dialogue and allows us to get to know people and their needs better."

The Includo teams are not the only Stib initiative aimed at helping vulnerable populations. The Brussels government launched Sublink two years ago - a partnership between Stib and organisations such as Diogenes and Transit - and has recruited additional security officers who also make contact with homeless people and drug addicts.

“We’re not totally abandoning [traditional security measures], but find that a repressive approach only displaces the problems,” said Vermeersch.

“Includo is its own, internal service that works in a complementary way. With it, we’re betting on a social approach and the creation of a bond of trust.”

The 27 team members for Includo were mainly recruited internally.

“There were plenty of people who were attracted to this new role, because they already came into regular contact with the issues as drivers or security officers, for example,” Vermeersch said.

“Everyone is there to lend a hand and improve the situation for everyone, including our travellers.”